Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award To Recognize Charitable, Volunteer Efforts of NASCAR Fans

July 18 Deadline Approaching For Nominations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The NASCAR Foundation is recognizing the outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of NASCAR fans this year  with the first Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, which includes a $100,000 donation from The NASCAR Foundation to the children's charity of the recipient's choice and a 2012 Ford Explorer from Ford to the award winner.

Slated to be presented in December, the award will honor the passionate commitment Betty Jane France has demonstrated on behalf of charities and community works. France has been a pioneer of such efforts in the NASCAR community and serves as chairwoman of The NASCAR Foundation. France also created the Speediatrics concept, a pediatric unit with a racing-themed decor at both the Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla., and at Homestead Hospital in Homestead, Fla.

"Since 2006, everyone involved in The NASCAR Foundation has been inspired by the selfless dedication of our NASCAR fans to improve the lives of the children," France said. "We have champions in every community. This new award is going to recognize those champions – in appropriate fashion."

Four finalists will receive a donation to a children's charity of their choice, a trip to a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and be part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week in Las Vegas, where the winner will be announced at the series' season-ending awards ceremony in December and be presented the award by France.

The award winner will be based on three criteria that include the long-term commitment to children's causes, impact on the local community and dedication for their efforts and passion for the sport of NASCAR.

Nominations will be accepted online at NASCAR.COM/Unites and through U.S. mail to: Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award; The NASCAR Foundation; 550 South Caldwell Street, Suite 2000, Charlotte, N.C., 28202.

The deadline for nominations is July 18. Email [email protected] or call (704) 348-9683 with questions.

For more information visit NASCAR.COM/Unites.

About The NASCAR Foundation
The NASCAR Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit entity that seeks to raise funds and increase volunteerism to support nonprofit charities and charitable causes throughout the nation with an emphasis placed on initiatives that affect the ability of children to live, learn and play.

The NASCAR Foundation recently launched NASCAR Unites, a campaign focused on raising $1 million and generating one million volunteer hours for children's charities. For more information please visit WWW.NASCAR.COM/foundation and WWW.NASCAR.COM/Unites.

SOURCE The NASCAR Foundation